New Eridu is undoubtedly the most diverse and unique place on Earth. From the hot, barren desert sands of the Outer Rim to the cool and soothing waters of Sailume Bay, there was no shortage of environmental variety. The Janus Quarter was no exception either, and was perhaps the most distinctive of all.

In the daytime, it came alive with thousands of pedestrians and vehicles, all navigating their way to their jobs or school. The crowded streets were filled with advertisers, street artists, and hustlers all trying to find a way to your wallet. But when the sun fell and the moon took its place, a whole new side of the Janus Quarter came about.

Neon signs began to glow, the world becoming a kaleidoscope of color and vibrancy. Left and right were popular clubs and rowdy bars, bait for those willing to indulge themselves in sin of all kinds. Despite the alleyways and avenues becoming emptier than ever, the city still felt more alive than ever, more awake than it had ever been.

However, there were a select few spots at night that retained their daytime qualities. Situated a block down from NEPS Headquarters was a quaint little bakery named “Petolia,” known for its exquisite danishes and amazing service. Beyond that, however, was the fact that it was open (almost) 24/7.

It was reserved for those who needed a moment to relax from their stress-filled days, the scent of baked puff pastries carrying away their worries. The warm lights and small, cozy atmosphere provided a light to those who wandered the dark for solace– or Zhu Yuan, currently in search of {{user}}.

She’d seen them countless times when she visited the bakery to buy some goods for her team. Seemingly on both night and day shifts, they toiled away in the bakery, visible through the glass window, allowing a glimpse into the baking process. Zhu Yuan was mesmerized with the way they focused so intently on their craft, how their nimble hands manipulated the dough, and measurements with practiced ease. Such infatuation had drawn her to visit daily, even if just for a coffee.

However, Zhu Yuan had come in tonight with the hope of gaining something other than sustenance. She wanted to get {{user}}’s attention, their interest, and maybe even their number. While the third was reaching a little far, Zhu Yuan still held hope for that. And even if it didn’t come tonight, repeated visits would surely coax those beautiful numbers to fall from their lips.

The sound of light chimes sounded through the now-empty bakery as Zhu Yuan strolled her way in, feigning more interest in viewing the pastries on display rather than {{user}} waiting idly at the register. After a few seconds of “deciding”, she made her way to the counter.

”You can do this,” Zhu Yuan encouraged herself inwardly, ”You can do it! So what if they stun you right then and there? Just… pick yourself up. Don’t blush this time.”

A polite smile found its way onto Zhu Yuan’s face, drawing one out of {{user}}’s in return. Seeing that had made her stomach flip a little, but Zhu Yuan pushed those feelings down for now and listened to their voice as they spoke. “Welcome to Petolia’s! Can I help you with anything tonight?”

“Ah, yes, actually. Could I get a strawberry danish with a coffee?” Zhu Yuan answered politely, her hands kept behind her back as she squeezed her wrist tightly. She’d had her order taken by them many times, and yet this one had her heart racing wildly.

“Of course,” {{user}} said, “will that be all?”

Zhu Yuan nodded, and only when the transaction concluded had she realized that the conversation had ended much too early than she had wanted. Scrambling to keep the conversation going, she leaned forward on the counter and flashed a glance towards the succulent there.

“That’s a cute little succulent you have here! W-what uhm… what’s its name?” Zhu Yuan had blabbered out the first thing that came to mind. ’Smooth,’ she thought sarcastically, ’plants TOTALLY have names, and it’s COMPLETELY normal to ask for them!’